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Swad, who was 83 when he died on Sunday, was the owner of central Ohio dealerships that sold
Chevrolet, Chrysler, Winnebago and other brands. He appeared in television ads for his stores,
often beginning by saying, “Hi, friends.”

He was founder and senior pastor of Christian Center Church in Gahanna. He also served as
chairman of the executive committee at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla.

According to a 1973 profile in
The Dispatch, Swad got interested in selling vehicles while working as an aircraft
mechanic. He worked part time at several dealerships and then opened a used-car lot in 1957 with
three vehicles.

He said he sold vehicles in part to provide financial support to his church.

“What he did, he couldn’t have done without God,” said Bill Swad Jr., Swad’s oldest son.

Swad Sr. was born in Martins Ferry, Ohio. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sally; two
sons; and three daughters.